Pastor care bid for street safety in Shrewsbury

The move follows a number of deaths of people who fell into the River Severn on a night out

Twelve volunteers are being sought to help protect vulnerable people on the streets of Shrewsbury.

The scheme, which follows others across the country, has been organised by police, churches and a security firm.

It follows concerns over the number of people who have died after falling into the River Severn on a night out.

Twenty three people have drowned in the river over the past six years, most of them in the Shrewsbury area, police said.

Police licensing officer Tony Mantle said: "They (the pastors) will operate within the loop of the River Severn and will be trained to provide pastoral care to anyone considered vulnerable.

"The recent tragedies in the River Severn, some of which have been alcohol-related, have given us the incentive to take matter forward."

The pastors, who will wear a uniform, will look after vulnerable people and make sure they are reunited with friends and get home safely.

The Bishop of Shrewsbury Mark Ryland, who worked on a similar scheme in Exeter, is involved in the project as well as door supervisors, Active Security Services.